Can Shadow Legendaries Be Shiny? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Shadow Legendaries can be shiny in Pokémon GO! However, the availability of shiny Shadow Legendaries is typically restricted to specific events or periods when they are available through Team GO Rocket Special Research or through Shadow Raids. This isn’t a permanent feature, meaning you can’t always encounter a shiny Shadow Legendary.
Understanding Shadow Pokémon and Shiny Hunts
Shadow Pokémon are Pokémon that have been corrupted by Team GO Rocket. They have a menacing red aura and boosted attack stats but decreased defense. Obtaining Shadow Pokémon is done by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, Leaders, and Giovanni. Shiny hunting refers to the pursuit of finding a Pokémon with a different color variation, a rare occurrence within the game. Combining these two mechanics adds a layer of complexity and excitement.
Shadow Raids and Shiny Shadow Legendaries
Currently, the primary way to obtain Shadow Legendaries is through Shadow Raids, specifically the Tier 5 raids featuring Legendary Pokémon. These raids are challenging and require in-person participation. The availability of a shiny Shadow Legendary in raids is determined by Niantic, the game developer. They will announce when a specific Shadow Legendary has the potential to be shiny in raid encounters. Pay attention to official Pokémon GO announcements for these opportunities.
Team GO Rocket Special Research and Giovanni
Previously, the main method for encountering Shadow Legendaries was through the monthly Team GO Rocket Special Research. By completing these research tasks, players could eventually battle Giovanni, the Team GO Rocket boss, for a chance to capture a Shadow Legendary. However, shiny availability through Giovanni encounters is not consistent, and Niantic typically announces when a Shadow Legendary from Giovanni can be shiny. This method has become less frequent, with Shadow Raids now being the more common avenue.
Factors Affecting Your Chances of Finding a Shiny Shadow Legendary
Several factors influence your chances of finding that elusive shiny Shadow Legendary:
- Shiny Availability: The most important factor. The Shadow Legendary must be available in its shiny form during the encounter.
- Number of Encounters: Each encounter is a chance at a shiny. The more Shadow Raids you participate in or the more opportunities you have to battle Giovanni during the correct timeframe, the better your odds.
- RNG (Random Number Generation): Pokémon GO uses RNG to determine if a Pokémon is shiny. This means every encounter is independent, and there is no guaranteed shiny after a certain number of attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Shadow Legendaries
1. What is the shiny rate for Shadow Legendaries?
The shiny rate for Shadow Legendaries is generally believed to be around 1 in 20, but this is not officially confirmed by Niantic. This makes them significantly more common than wild shiny Pokémon, which have a rate of approximately 1 in 500.
2. How do I know if a Shadow Legendary can be shiny?
Niantic will always announce when a Shadow Legendary has the potential to be shiny through official channels such as the Pokémon GO News section in the game, the official Pokémon GO website, and social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, etc.).
3. Can I use Remote Raid Passes to participate in Shadow Raids?
No, Remote Raid Passes cannot be used for Shadow Raids. You must be physically present at the Gym to participate in these raids. This encourages community engagement and in-person gameplay.
4. If my friend finds a shiny Shadow Legendary in a raid, am I guaranteed to find one too?
No, shiny encounters are individual. Just because one player in a raid group encounters a shiny does not mean everyone else will. Each player’s encounter is determined independently by the game’s RNG.
5. What happens if I defeat Giovanni and the Shadow Legendary isn’t shiny?
If the Shadow Legendary encountered from Giovanni is not shiny, you will still have the opportunity to catch it. It simply means you didn’t get the lucky shiny encounter this time. You can battle Giovanni again the next time he appears (usually during a new Team GO Rocket Special Research or other designated event).
6. Can I trade Shadow Pokémon?
No, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded. This restriction prevents players from easily acquiring shiny Shadow Pokémon through trading, preserving the challenge and exclusivity of obtaining them.
7. Can I purify a shiny Shadow Legendary?
Yes, you can purify a shiny Shadow Legendary. However, purifying will change the Pokémon’s stats and appearance. Many players prefer to keep their shiny Shadow Legendary as a Shadow Pokémon due to the increased attack stat.
8. Is it better to keep a Shadow Legendary as a Shadow Pokémon or purify it?
This depends on your preference. Shadow Pokémon have a 20% attack boost but a decrease in defense. Purified Pokémon have a slightly better overall stat distribution and cost less Stardust and Candy to power up. If you prioritize attack power, keep it as a Shadow Pokémon. If you prefer a more balanced Pokémon or want to save resources, purify it.
9. How often do Shadow Legendaries appear in raids?
The frequency of Shadow Legendary raids varies. Niantic typically features a different Shadow Legendary each season or during specific events. Keep an eye on official announcements to know when your favorite Legendary Pokémon is available in Shadow form.
10. Are Shadow Legendaries stronger than regular Legendary Pokémon?
Yes, Shadow Legendaries are generally stronger offensively due to their 20% attack boost. However, their decreased defense makes them slightly more vulnerable in battles.
11. What are the best counters for Shadow Legendary raids?
The best counters for Shadow Legendary raids depend on the specific Legendary Pokémon and its weaknesses. Use online resources such as PokéBattler or other raid guides to determine the most effective Pokémon to use in each raid.
12. Does the Weather Boost affect Shadow Raids?
Yes, Weather Boost does affect Shadow Raids. Pokémon of a certain type will be stronger in specific weather conditions, providing an advantage in battle. Pay attention to the weather when planning your raid.
13. Are Shadow Raids soloable?
No, Shadow Raids featuring Legendary Pokémon are not soloable. They require multiple players to coordinate and work together to defeat the powerful raid boss.
14. Will Shadow Pokémon ever be available through methods other than raids and Giovanni?
While currently Shadow Legendaries are predominantly available through Raids and Giovanni encounters, Niantic could potentially introduce new methods of obtaining them in the future. Always stay updated with the latest Pokémon GO news for any changes.
15. What should I do if I find a shiny Shadow Legendary?
Congratulations! Appraise your shiny Shadow Legendary to check its IVs (Individual Values). Consider whether you want to keep it as a Shadow Pokémon for the attack boost or purify it. Power it up and use it in battles! Most importantly, enjoy your rare and powerful Pokémon!